Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report: Fall Action Heats Up!

AquaMan Charters

With recent breezy northeast winds pushing anglers to seek sheltered waters, Virginia’s inshore and nearshore fishing scene was still buzzing with opportunity. From the creeks and inlets around Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Hampton to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT), the fall bite is on! Here’s the latest scoop on what’s biting, where, and how to make the most of your time on the water.

Shrimp Bonanza: A Bait Goldmine

Each year, white and brown shrimp are becoming more abundant in the Chesapeake Bay, with peak season running from late September through October. These tasty crustaceans are a favorite meal for nearly every inshore gamefish, including red drum, speckled trout, stripers, flounder, and more. For anglers looking to stock up on prime bait, grab a cast net and head to creek mouths or marsh banks in protected waters. Areas like the Lynnhaven River and the Hampton River, rivers near Yorktown are prime spots to net shrimp.

Red Drum: The Star of the Show

Medium-sized red drum (18-27 inches) have been the standout catch this week in inland waters. These feisty fish are prowling the shallows and tidal creeks. Focus on areas with structure, such as oyster beds, grass flats, and dock pilings. In Virginia Beach, try the Lynnhaven Inlet and the waters around First Landing State Park for puppy drum. In Norfolk, the Lafayette River and Elizabeth River offer excellent opportunities, while Hampton’s Back River and Factory Point are hot spots for reds chasing shrimp and baitfish. Soft plastics, cut bait, or live shrimp rigged on a fish-finder rig will get bites. For a fun challenge, toss topwater lures at dawn or dusk to trigger explosive strikes!

Out in the Bay, bull red drum (over 27 inches) are schooling up near the CBBT. These trophy fish are stacking up around the pilings and rock islands, especially the third Island, feeding heavily before their southward migration in October. Captain Agner, AquaMan Charters said he had did better along the oceanfront than at the 3rd island.

Anglers using live bait like spot or croaker, or heavy jigs, are reporting solid hookups. The action should stay hot for another month, so don’t miss your shot at a personal best!

Speckled Trout: Cooling Waters, Hot Bite

As water temperatures drop, speckled trout are moving into the shallows to feast, particularly in areas with submerged grass beds. Lynnhaven Inlet remains a top producer for specks in Virginia Beach, with fish in the 14-24 inch range hitting soft plastics, MirrOLures, and live minnows. Captain Beck of Knot Wish’n Charters reports that Rudee Inlet is also starting to see specks, and other tributaries like the Elizabeth River and Little Creek are worth exploring. Look for grassy shorelines or drop-offs near channels, and fish during moving tides for the best results. Early mornings or late afternoons are prime times for topwater action—nothing beats the thrill of a speck smashing a surface plug!

Black Drum, Flounder and Sea Bass

Some black drum have been caught in Hampton Roads Harbor. Flounder and sea bass fishing is very good when anglers can get to the ocean wrecks. Some nice flounder are also in the CBBT area.

Cobia and Sheepshead: Last Call for Heavy Hitters

Cobia are feeding as they prepare for their southward migration. In the Bay, target them around structure like the CBBT or near buoys and channel markers. Sight-casting with live eels or bucktails is a winning strategy, especially on calm, sunny days. Closer to shore, surf anglers at Dam Neck and Sandbridge should keep an eye out for cruising cobia within casting range. These fish are hungry, so expect hard fights and big rewards through mid-October.

Sheepshead are still hanging tight to the CBBT pilings, picking off crabs and barnacles. Fiddler crabs or clams fished on a sweeper jigs near the structure will tempt these convict-striped bruisers. Patience is key—set the hook when you feel that subtle tap-tap!

Surf Fishing: Time to Hit the Beaches

Surf anglers, it’s go time! The beaches from Croatian to Sandbridge are primed for action as red drum patrol the shoreline, chasing baitfish and shrimp. Cut mullet, bunker, or crab imitations fished in the troughs or near sandbars should draw strikes. Keep an eye out for diving birds or bait schools, but many of the best catches will happen overnight, after dark. Cobia may also make an appearance in the surf, so be ready to cast a bucktail or large spoon if you spot one cruising. Early morning or late afternoon tides will up your odds.

Get Out There!

With cooling waters and hungry fish, now’s the time to hit Virginia’s inshore and nearshore waters. Whether you’re netting shrimp in a tidal creek, battling bull reds at the CBBT, or casting to specks in the Lynnhaven, the fall fishing season is delivering. Tight lines, and send us your best catches for the next report!